"The...the programmer is coming!"

A trace of panic flashed by Tanya's face. Staring at the announcement that the System Manager had come in her live stream, she was terrified.

[Fans] Meteor Shower: Programmer, don't destroy Mr. Alexander, please!

[Fans] The Things in a Bread: Amitabha...

Tanya was frantic, completely overwhelmed, when she received a private message from the system—

Miss Tanya, I’m a programmer from the Time Travel Streaming Hub. Please cooperate by stating that this is a new type of live-streaming format. Thank you for your cooperation.

As soon as the message ended, the world channel in the comments section was flooded with a clarification message from the programmer.

“New live-stream content! Special character appearances to increase mission difficulty and provide a unique streaming experience.”

Tanya furiously mocked the programmer’s promotional message, completely dismissing the idea that "Alexander’s appearance was planned by the system."

However, she cleared her throat and played along. “To be honest, I was surprised too, but the new content is quite interesting!”

She addressed her fans with a sly glance at Alexander, as if to say, See, I saved your life again.

Alexander, however, was far from grateful. He pinched her soft cheek. “What on earth are you babbling about?”

Tanya paused, then firmly pushed him away.

“Little eunuch, don’t get so close to me.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Eunuch?”

Tanya’s gaze tilted slightly. “In the palace, the only men are either the emperor or eunuchs. Since you’re not the former, you must be the latter.”

Alexander’s face twitched. “I’m wearing armor, not robes.”

“Hah, don't be shameless—it’s just a fancy eunuch outfit!” Tanya deftly dodged Alexander’s attempts to grab her, feeling the tension around him drop by the second. She waved her delicate arm. “I’ll be taking my leave. We’ll meet again… someday.”

She put extra emphasis on the last few words.

Feeling proud of her quick escape, a faint smile played on Tanya’s lips, as if the air around her had grown a little warmer, more pleasant.

“Rare to see Her Grace so happy,” Verdant commented as she reentered the palace, carrying a bowl of bird’s nest soup. She had been sent back from the royal garden earlier.

Tanya savored the silky smoothness of the soup, her lips curling into a sweet smile.

Another young woman entered the room—Tiffany, Verdant explained, was here to replace Becky.

Tanya nodded, and seeing Tiffany’s timid demeanor, her smile grew. “Are you hungry? Verdant, give her some of the bird’s nest soup as well. Both of you should have some.”

Tiffany trembled as she bowed in thanks, and Verdant led her away.

Tanya pondered the situation. Feeling that life had grown too peaceful, she resolutely decided it was time to take the initiative.

[Fans] Ding Dong: Streamer, what are you going to do!

[Fans] Pillow Baby: Time to get the ball rolling!

Tanya smiled and opened her mouth. "Arrange the carriage for me and go to the Yanyue Palace."

Tanya was happy and even the flowers and grassed along the roadside were very pleasing to see.

When the carriage arrived, Tanya had thought out her phrasing.

She had not expected that she could hear Alexander Chase's voice when she arrived at Francois Chaise's palace.

"Your Grace, you don't have to make things difficult for me." Alexander Chase's voice was indifferent, and his eyes were clear and proud.

"Your men are all useless and even could not find my cat."

Tanya’s gaze followed the scene. Francois Chaise exhaled softly, his breath fragrant as orchids. His long, narrow eyes held an unruly glint, framed by perfectly curled lashes. His profile, sharp and well-formed, was adorned with an intricate "Returning Clouds" hairstyle, with a silver hairpin catching the sunlight and reflecting a beautiful glow. His frame was delicate, and his robes flowed gracefully.

Alexander’s voice cut through Tanya’s thoughts, cold and distant, “Your Majesty, the cat has been executed. I hope you find peace.”

Although Alexander's tone was calm, the slight tension in Francois Chaise’s expression was unmistakable.

“How dare you,” Tanya’s voice sharpened.

"How dare you touch my things without my permission."

Francois Chaise's eyesights turned cold, holding her arm in front of her body and intending to beat Alex.

"My sister, be at ease." Tanya stopped her in time.

Everyone's gaze shifted to Tanya, their expressions a mix of surprise, except for Alexander, whose eyes lingered on her shoulder, filled with a hint of amusement.

“This matter has nothing to do with Alexander,” Tanya said with a breezy smile. “I was the one who ordered him to kill the cat.”

Francois Chaise's eyes narrowed. “Vivienne, what do you mean by this?”

Tanya cleared her throat and walked in front of Alexander, lifting her chin and locking eyes with Francois Chaise.

“Your cat interrupted His Majesty while we were… in the middle of something intimate,” Tanya’s voice was as calm as a soft breeze.

She leaned in closer, her lips brushing near Francois’ ear. “It deserved to die.”

Tanya tried her best to look menacing, fully embracing the role of the villainess from a romance drama.

“Vivienne, why would you do such a thing?” Francois’ brow twitched, her cold gaze still emotionless, but her words softened slightly.

Tanya found it strange, but before she could ponder further, Alexander suddenly turned his head. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Tanya’s heart skipped a beat.

Why did the emperor have to witness her playing the role of a ruthless, power-abusing villainess?

She shot a resentful glance at Francois, who merely stood there, detached and indifferent, with a faintly seductive yet cold expression as if everything around her was irrelevant.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!” Tanya quickly turned around, offering Heliam a deep bow.

She peeked up at him cautiously, seeing the same sharp, intimidating features that never failed to take her breath away. She couldn't count how many times she'd seen that wicked curve of his lips—a smile that was always enough to spark jealousy.

Heliam... is he smiling?

Steadying herself under Heliam’s piercing gaze, Tanya straightened up. “Your Majesty…”

Heliam stepped closer, his long, narrow eyes narrowing into crescent moons, a playful smirk curling his lips. “My dear concubine… are you reminiscing about our intimate moments together?”

Tanya instantly regretted her earlier words.

Being close to the emperor is like being close to a tiger, she thought. Was this the same man who had left her behind for Francois just hours ago?

She glanced sideways, meeting Francois Chaise’s cold, indifferent gaze, and quickly looked away.

“Yes,” Tanya answered as sweetly as she could.

Tanya turned her head, catching Francois Chaise’s cold gaze before quickly looking away.

"Yes," Tanya responded as delicately as she could.

Then, two waves of icy tension pressed in from behind her.

Heliam, clearly in high spirits, seemed particularly pleased with Tanya’s demure attitude. "So gentle now, but just moments ago, while arguing with Francois, you didn’t seem to be on the losing end."

Tanya's gaze shifted slightly, catching sight of Alexander’s darkened expression. Despite her frustration, she bit her lip and said, "I… am only gentle for His Majesty."

The hilt of Alexander’s sword creaked audibly.

Heliam, still smug, pulled Tanya close and turned his gaze to Francois.

Francois Chaise’s face remained unchanged, without a hint of emotion, causing Heliam’s brow to furrow.

"Vivienne merely killed your cat. Why make such a fuss?" Heliam’s eyes darkened, clearly displeased by Francois’s indifference. "You stand beneath Vivienne in rank. How dare you address her by name directly? Have I spoiled you so much that you’ve forgotten your manners?"

Tanya trembled slightly where she stood.

Long live the emperor! He’s standing up for me, the vicious female supporting character!

[Fan] Bread Crust: Stop smiling! Heliam’s just messing with Francois! Stir the pot more!

[Fan] Ice blocks: Yes! Drive a wedge between them!

[Fan] LookLeft23: Now’s the perfect chance!

Sowing discord!

"Your Majesty!" As a diligent streamer, Tanya knew she had to satisfy her audience. Putting on an exaggerated display, she fluttered about dramatically.

"Surely my dear sister spoke out of turn unintentionally. Your Majesty, please forgive her. She would never behave like that towards you, only with me, because she’s comfortable."

Sure enough, under Tanya’s instigation, Heliam’s expression darkened even more.

"Her lack of respect goes far beyond just you."

The atmosphere chilled to an icy low, and Tanya quickly made her stance clear. "Please, Your Majesty, don’t be upset. If you hurt your noble body from anger, I will be heartbroken."

Heliam’s tone softened. "Very well, deduct a month of her salary. I have no desire to see her again."

Francois Chaise bowed, his face still cold as ever, gave a brief salute, and retreated.

Alexander’s gaze deepened, his eyes scanning over Tanya before he too silently left.

For a long moment, all was still, until Heliam’s voice suddenly came from above.

"Just now, were you trying to sow discord between me and Francois?"

Tanya froze, her beautiful wide eyes blinking rapidly.

But her bewitching appearance no longer held any power over Heliam.

"I don’t mind women fighting over me," Heliam said coolly, "but I despise meaningless attempts at manipulation. Especially when…"

His gaze bore into Tanya.

"Especially when it’s you doing the manipulating."

With that, Heliam flicked his sleeve and walked away effortlessly, followed by the maids who dispersed as well.

Tanya let out a long sigh of relief, collapsing onto the floor. Clearly, Heliam was not so easily swayed.

[Fan] PillowKnight: Just now, I really thought the discord plan worked!

[Fan] cubic rube: Me too! It’s so true what they say—being with the emperor is like living alongside a tiger. Heliam is way too sharp, I’m really worried about the streamer’s future...

[Fan] Call911: No choice but to sigh…

Tanya stared up at the sky and let out a long, frustrated breath.

In this chaotic world… does this small supporting character like me even stand a chance to survive?

Picking up the pieces of her shattered pride, Tanya was just about to leave when a cold, mocking voice came from behind her.

"Where do you think you’re going?"

Tanya turned back, only to be met by the chiseled features and tightly pressed lips of a man whose brow radiated a shadowy gloom. His silver armor gleamed in the sunlight, momentarily blinding her.

"Alexander… didn’t you leave?"

Alexander stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. "I never expected you, a mere maid, not only to have twisted logic but also to enjoy stirring up jealousy and discord."

Tanya pointed at him with her delicate finger. "You were eavesdropping!"

Alexander’s slender hand wrapped around her wrist. "I would never stoop to eavesdropping. But why do you yelp like a startled husky whenever you’re around me? Or… is it that you only show this arrogance in front of me? Hmm? Have you saved all your gentleness for Heliam?"

Dizzy from his rapid-fire questions, Tanya squinted against the light to look at Alexander.

His flawless, porcelain-like skin seemed to glisten as if water would drip from it. Such a devilishly handsome face… for the first time, Tanya found even his nostrils surprisingly attractive.